Remaining Addicted Is A Sin
Substance abuse is a temptation that leads you away from the light of God. You cannot be a Christian and continue to indulge, but you can accept God back into your life and have your sins washed away. There is always hope for forgiveness, no matter how far you have fallen into addiction.
Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:10-11
This message is repeated throughout the Bible, in the Old and New Testatament.
Envyings, murders, drunkenness, reveling, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God Galations 5:21
In Romans, the Bible explicitly talks about throwing off bounds of substance abuse and poor habits and rising up to be worthy of salvation and of God.
And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.
Let us walk honestly, as in the day not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. Romans 13:10-13
He Restores My Soul He Guides Me In The Paths Of Righteousness For His Names Sake Psalm 2: 3
Renewing a sense of purpose and purposefulness is another rung in the ladder of recovery, one that typically requires a restoration of soul and spirit. There are always choices to make, some that can prove deleterious to recovery goals and even jeopardize sobriety entirely, while others, though difficult to accept and complete are necessary to maintain forward momentum and progress in recovery.
Continued Support for Recovery
While these Bible verses about recovery are a great place to find encouragement, hope, and reinforcement, there is no doubt that struggles will continue. Keep in mind there is no shame in struggling with drug or alcohol addiction during recovery, for each of us, even the strongest, struggle in our own way. We encourage you to reach out to your support group, or if you need some form of intervention, reach out to a treatment center that can best serve your mental health care needs so that long-term recovery is more achievable.
To get started, feel free to contact our caring professional staff at FHE Health for a confidential discussion about treatment options, available resources, and a place to begin the healing journey, or reconnect if additional help is needed post-treatment.
Friends Partners And Lovers: What It Takes To Make Your Marriage Work
Most marriages survive by gritting teeth and holding on. But marriages can and will not only survive but thrive when husbands and wives learn to cherish one another. Those are the powerful words of bestselling author Gary Thomas in his newest bookCherish. And in a world desperate for marriage redemption, it is needed now more than ever. Thomas shows that although there are a countless number of marriages consisting of two people just going through the motions, there are real ways this pattern can be reversed: when husbands and wives learn to cherish one another in proven, loving, and everyday actions and words.
Newest Release – Episode 2: Heroes Providing Hope
Discover the amazing work our PRCs Directors, Nurses, and Volunteers are making in their communities! Youll see firsthand testimonies of a PRC in action, and that there are other options outside of abortions! Youll also discover how your family can support your local PRC!
Yes, I Promise to Pray for the Pre-born and Their Moms!
Will you pray for the pre-born and moms that are facing unexpected pregnancies? We will send you a 7-day prayer guide that will help guide you along this journey with us!! You can even choose to receive this great resource by text!
Newest Release – Episode 4: Sometimes the Choice is Hard
Yes, I Promise to Pray for the Pre-born and Their Moms!
Newest Release – Episode 3: The Power of a Picture
Yes, I Promise to Pray for the Pre-born and Their Moms!
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Impactful Verses For Addicts And Concerned Loved Ones
August 14, 2020|Posted in Recovery Resources
Most people struggling with addiction are really looking for comfort aside from addiction treatment in Atlanta. They seek something to help them deal with stress and with situations that are outside of their control. Their loved ones are also seeking comfort. However, theyre looking for comfort regarding the addict and their loss of control. If youve spoken to a drug and alcohol counselor, they may have suggested you seek solace in your faith. Both those with addictions and their loved ones can find peace and comfort in certain Biblical verses.
I Will Always Love You
While all Christians want to stay as far away from sin as they can, there is no doubt that we are going to make mistakes. We are going to make a lot of mistakes, in fact. That does not mean that God will not continue to love you with all His heart. Jesus died on the cross for you. That type of love isn’t one that will vanish over a drug addiction, no matter how bad things get. While it can be hard for friends and family to stay in contact with a drug addict, for God it’s not an issue. His love for you is not going anywhere. Remember John 3:16 which says, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”
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Gods Grace Will Restore And Rescue You:
1 Peter 5:10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
Colossians 1: 13-14 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Psalm 86:13 For great is your love toward me you have delivered me from the depths, from the realm of the dead.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
Giving Up Sugar Tasting God’s Goodness
As a latchkey kid, Wendy Speake turned to sugar for comfort. Every Friday, she would pedal to the candy show and use her allowance to fill her bag with candy. And one day, when she was older and a mom of three young boys, she came to realize that she was still pedaling away from her stress and using sugar as comfort, instead of turning to Jesus. She was joyless, worn out, tired, and in need of a change. In this interview, Wendy will challenge Christians to take 40 days to focus on fasting from something they turn to instead of Jesus for comfort. She invited people to break free from a dependence on sugar and taste the goodness of God.
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The Different Stages Of Recovery
There are many different ways of looking at the process of recovery. For those in early sobriety, many will adamantly say that they are sober and are going to stay sober. That is a great statement and plan. For any in that early stage of recovery, it is usually important to understand that sobriety is an early step in recovery. Sobriety and recovery are not the same thing. Sobriety is necessary for recovery, but there is much more to working a good recovery program. Years one to three of recovery are considered early recovery. Years three through five are middle recovery. Over five years is considered late recovery or maintenance.
Prochaska’s Stages of Change model uses a few more specific terms to describe the different stages of recovery. These stages are Precontemplation, Contemplation, Determination/Preparation, Action, Maintenance, and Relapse. Below is a review of Prochaskas model of change. For more details, you can check out Prochaska’s book Changing for Good.
Precontemplation is when someone is unaware that there is a problem or thinks they don’t have a problem. At this time it is helpful to remember that each person must be the one to decide to change. It can help to begin to recognize what circumstances lead to use. If this is where you are at, it may help to review when your use started and how it has progressed over time. Understanding the risks of use are also important.
So, which stage are you in and what do you need? Make a plan and get some help.
I Drug Abuse Is Illegal
All of these drugs are illegal without a doctor’sprescription. Most cannot be obtained even with a prescription.
Use for social purposes, personal pleasure, to get a high, toescape reality, etc., is illegal.
Specifically, marijuana is illegal to sell, give away, or evenpossess. Possession of less than an ounce might lead to a year inprison, and possession of over an ounce can lead to several yearsin prison .
To disobey civil law is to sin against God.
Romans 13:1-5 – God ordained governing authorities. To resistthem is to resist God’s ordinance. Those who disobey may bepunished by the authorities, but they also have harmed theirconscience toward God.
1 Peter 2:13,14 – Submit to every ordinance of man for theLord’s sake.
This ought to settle the matter for every true believer. Drugabuse, including marijuana use, is illegal and therefore sinful.
Some people favor legalization of marijuana. But even if it islegalized, there are reasons Christians should not use it.
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Be Kind To One Another Tender
Forgiveness is such an integral part of recovery but its also one of the most challenging steps in recovery, not to mention for anyone. But in the pursuit of forgiveness, remember that self-forgiveness and forgiveness of others are equally important. This is one of the most profound Bible verses about addiction since forgiveness is something each person so desperately needs to let go of past hurts and wrongs and live a fulfilling life.
Mothers And Sons: Being A Godly Influence
Rhonda Stoppe describes her early motherhood challenges of raising a son, which was intimidating to her. She found help through group of older women mentors. She urges moms to see their role as ministry in shaping sons to be good and godly men. Rhonda outlines several practical suggestions to moms about spiritual training, how to communicate with boys, and supporting the father-son relationship as a wife.
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Warnings Against Addiction In The Bible
The Book of Proverbs is one of the Bibles largest books of wisdom literature, which is one of three major wisdom books in the Bible that helps readers gain a deeper understanding of life. Proverbs often gives very practical advice about how to live a generally good life. Its one book that spends a good amount of time speaking directly to the problem of frequent drunkenness, which we know as a sign of addiction.
In Chapter 23, the book offers a heartbreaking look at alcoholism. It says, Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine.
The proverb points out both the physical and psychological consequences of frequent substance misuse.
We know that alcohol is a depressant, which can worsen problems like depression. We also know that it impairs your motor functions, which can lead to accidents and injuries. Back then, an inebriated person might experience falls, causing injuries and bruises, as people do in present times. Today, you might get behind the wheel of a car, putting your life in danger.
Later in the same chapter, it speaks from the perspective of a person struggling with alcoholism saying, When will I wake up so I can find another drink? Alcohol cravings in the morning are a classic sign of alcohol use disorder.
Really Think About It
Contrary to popular opinion, you are not a cosmic accident or mass of protoplasm wandering aimlessly on the planet. Rather, you were specially made by a loving Creator who intends for your life to be dynamic and purposeful. He made you in His image. You are an eternal, spiritual being with a miraculous mind and body that bears His reflection. And He wants every part of you to be pure.
This is only possible when your spirit lines up with Gods Spirit. When you sin, you disrupt your companionship with God and begin to slide away from Him. This is often a subtle, slow process at least at first.
Do not be fooled by those who claim they use drugs as a means to enhance their spirituality. It works just the opposite. Many drug users find the only way to relieve their guilt is to turn their backs on God. They go through a reasoning process something like this:
- If there is a God, I should do what He wants.
- But I want to do something He forbids.
- Therefore, Ill claim there must not be a God, or Ill conclude I can no longer serve Him because He certainly must hate me now.
Willful, repeated sinful behavior can cement such fundamentally flawed logic what the Bible calls a hardening of our hearts or being given over to a depraved mind . Its not that God wouldnt take us back. Instead, we have no desire to return. Without question, its an enormous risk to take.
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C Some Examples Showing How Drug Use Leads Togreater Involvement In Sin
Dr. Walter Lehmann describes a typical example of theyoung people he treats who are on marijuana:
Letter from Jenny.
This is where marijuana use can lead. And the end resultfollows because people fail to heed God’s warning to avoidtemptation and evil influence.
Proverbs 6:27,28 – Can a man take fire to his bosom and not beburned? The sensible person, who wants to please God, will avoidplaying with fire.
The Ecstasy And The Agony
Hailed as a wonder drug, Ecstasy is said to offer everything from limitless energy to reduced social inhibitions a virtual cure-all for the shy to greater spiritual awareness. Like marijuana, its supporters claim few negative side effects and lots of positive ones. And its increasing in popularity.
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, if you want to get technical, Ecstasy or XTC in pop usage, combines the dual effects of a relaxant and a stimulant. Especially popular at raves, it has stimulant qualities that allow ravers literally to dance the night away, gyrating for hours on end with a seemingly endless supply of energy. Also, users experience a sense of euphoria, sometimes so strong it sends them into howls. Sense of touch is accentuated as well, and with that comes increased emotional intensity. For good reason, Ecstasy sometimes goes under the title of the hug drug or love drug.
Increased energy. Intense bliss. Affection without bounds. Could there be a downside to Ecstasy? Youd better believe it.
If you think the elation of Ecstasy is worth the risk, think again. With the side effects of scrambled judgment, deep depression, uncontrollable energy and impulses, fierce fevers and brain damage, Ecstasy will bring more agony than you might think.
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Identifying Triggers In Your Marriage
They were both convinced they had married the wrong person. From almost the very beginning of their marriage, Amber and Guy Lia experienced various tensions and personality clashes related to house cleaning, backseat driving, workaholism, and intimacy. In this two-day Focus on the Family broadcast, Amber and Guy discuss how they bravely faced the triggers head-on, and committed to working on their own relationships with Jesus. As you listen to the Lias story, youll feel hope that you, too, can see real marriage transformation!
Biblical Hope For Those Struggling With Addiction
Wait, a minute! you might be saying about now. Addiction is a disease. It controls them. They dont control it. How can the Bible be calling it a sin?
While research and science have made great strides in understanding addiction and its treatment, they cannot explain the spiritual aspects and roots of addiction. They are both, however, unified in their desire to help those trapped in its snare. Consider the following verses.
Galatians 5:17-24 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
In the Message Version, we read in the book of Ephesians, Dont drink too much wine. That cheapens your life. Drink the Spirit of God, huge draughts of him. Sing hymns instead of drinking songs! Sing praises over everything, any excuse for a song to God the Father in the name of our Master, Jesus Christ.
I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 ESV
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